The Sports Information Director at Avila University serves as the primary media contact and communications liaison for the athletic department. The Sports Information Director is responsible for promoting and publicizing the university's athletic programs, student-athletes, and coaches through various media channels. This position plays a crucial role in enhancing the visibility and reputation of the athletic department and supporting its mission, goals, and values.
Responsibilities:
• Serve as the primary media contact for the athletic department, coordinating media inquiries, interviews, and press conferences.
• Cultivate positive relationships with local, regional, and national media outlets to maximize coverage of university athletic events and stories.
• Write and distribute press releases, feature stories, and other written materials highlighting student-athletes, coaches, and athletic achievements.
• Manage media credentials and press box operations during home athletic events.
• Monitor media coverage and social media channels to assess public perception and identify opportunities for engagement.
• Create engaging and informative content for the athletic department's website, social media platforms, and other digital channels.
• Produce game previews, recaps, and feature stories that showcase the accomplishments and personalities of student-athletes and coaches.
• Develop multimedia content, including photos, videos, and graphics, to enhance storytelling and engage fans.
• Maintain an up-to-date roster of student-athletes and coaching staff, including biographical information and statistics.
• Collaborate with other departments and stakeholders to ensure consistency and accuracy in messaging and branding.
• Compile, organize, and disseminate statistical information for all university athletic teams and events.
• Coordinate with coaches and athletic staff to ensure timely and accurate reporting of game results, player statistics, and team records.
• Utilize statistical analysis tools and software to generate reports, charts, and visualizations that support strategic decision-making and performance evaluation.
• Provide statistical data and analysis to conference offices, NCAA officials, and other relevant organizations as required.
• Oversee game day operations for home athletic events, including pre-game setup, press box management, and post-game procedures.
• Coordinate with venue staff, security personnel, and broadcast partners to ensure smooth and efficient event operations.
• Serve as the official scorer and statistician for select athletic contests, recording and verifying game statistics in real-time.
• Assist with the coordination of special events, promotions, and ceremonies during athletic competitions.
• Communicate regularly with coaches, student-athletes, and athletic department staff to gather information, coordinate media opportunities, and disseminate important updates.
• Provide guidance and training to student interns and support staff assisting with sports information duties.
• Serve as a liaison between the athletic department and other university departments, coordinating joint initiatives and cross-promotional opportunities.
Qualifications:
• Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, public relations, or related field required; Master's degree preferred.
• Previous experience in sports information, media relations, or sports journalism strongly preferred.
• Excellent writing, editing, and storytelling skills, with a keen attention to detail.
• Proficiency in digital media platforms, content management systems, and graphic design software.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Knowledge of sports terminology, statistics, and scoring conventions.
• Demonstrated ability to multitask, prioritize assignments, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as required by the athletic schedule.
• Commitment to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of sports communication.
Successful candidates should be committed to contributing to a climate that supports a diverse student body, serves first-generation college students, multilingual learners, and contributions to equity and social justice through their work.
Benefits:
This is a full-time position, eligible for the usual and customary benefits. Avila University’s comprehensive benefit package includes a generous holiday schedule, tuition remission for employee and dependents, vacation and sick leave, employee assistance program, retirement benefits and health insurance.
The Community:
Kansas City, a two-state metropolitan area with a population of nearly two million, offers a wide variety of cultural, educational and social life opportunities. Avila University, a Catholic university founded and inspired by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, provides undergraduate and graduate education in the liberal arts and professional studies, preparing lifelong learners who make meaningful contributions to the global community.
Additional Employment Information:
Avila University is committed to equal employment opportunity and does not discriminate on the basis of, sex, race, religion, age, color, sexual orientation, disability, national or ethnic origin, marital status, veteran's status, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law.
You must be at least 18 years of age to be employed by Avila University.
All new employees will be required to complete an "Employment Eligibility Verification (Form I-9)” and produce requested documentation after employment.
In compliance with the Higher Education Amendments of 1998, the university's annual security and crime statistics report is available at https://www.avila.edu/campus-resources/campus-safety. A copy of this report is available upon request from the Campus Safety Office in the Whitfield building any weekday between 8am and 5pm.
Avila University requires the successful completion of a background check as a condition of employment.
Founded in 1916 by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, Avila has been focused on the development of the whole person for more than a century, providing a liberal arts education rooted in values of service, diversity, excellence in teaching and learning. Avila’s tagline, Education Without Limits means students experience a robust student success model to help complete their education within four years, reducing student debt and catapulting career opportunities. Avila’s rapid student growth is a testament to the focus on making degrees accessible through robust scholarship programs and financial aid. Because of strategic planning and tireless teamwork by faculty and staff, Avila is now the educational home to students from 26 countries, studying an expanded curriculum that offers more than 60 majors.